Home again for a third straight week, the Cincinnati Bearcats aim for 3-0 with a win over MAC challenger Miami (Ohio) on Friday at Nippert Stadium. Steve Satterfield and Cincinnati (2-0) are off to a strong start, with big wins over Boston College and Western Carolina to begin the season. Miami, which pounded Holy Cross 45-7 last week, enters the Battle for the Victory Bell as easily Cincinnati’s biggest test yet. It’s a chance to end non-conference play undefeated and to double down on star running back Gi’Bran Payne‘s success.
CINCINNATI VS. MIAMI (OHIO) ODDS
Spread: Cincinnati -15.5
Point total: 49.5
Money line: Cincinnati -750/Miami (Ohio) +525
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Gi’Bran Payne, RB, Cincinnati
Notre Dame transfer Gi’Bran Payne is a welcome addition to Cincinnati’s backfield, which is averaging 6.3 yards per rush already in 2026. With 26 carries, Payne is moving with 210 yards, 2 touchdowns and 8.1 yards per rush through starts against Boston College and Western Carolina. He’s been a tough dude to bring down through these early contests, and the RedHawks must make him a priority if they want a chance.
David McComb, QB, Miami (Ohio)
After beginning his career at Kansas, star Oklahoma recruit David McComb placed his name in the transfer portal last spring and ultimately landed at Miami (Ohio) to play quarterback for Chuck Martin. He’s got a true arm, with 29 completions for 475 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first two career starts. Watch for McComb to cause trouble through the air on Saturday.
CINCINNATI VS. MIAMI (OHIO) PREDICTION AND PICK
PREDICTION: CINCINNATI 28, MIAMI (OHIO) 17
I actually appreciate the matchup a lot as a Kansas alum. McComb and Miami (Ohio) have been a fun team to watch early on, and it’ll be interesting to see what the former Jayhawks recruit can do against Cincinnati in a rivalry game on the road. Excellent opportunity for Satterfield’s team, too, going 3-0 to begin the year. JC French IV has looked especially sharp, and the Bearcats are certainly finding a rhythm, albeit against a lack of true competition. This will be their first test, and I like the Bearcats to meet the challenge.
Cincinnati wins and Miami covers.
